Dakota of the White Flats

Set in a dingy, run-down housing complex ironically named White Flats, this hilarious adventure begins when two young residents, quick-witted Dakota Pink and her sidekick, ``Treacle'' Duck, discover the jewel-encrusted pet turtle belonging to their neighbor Medusa, an over-the-hill actress. After the animal (who might be a reincarnation of Medusa's former lover) is stolen by the despicable Henry Twig, the heroines embark on a journey down a murky canal to perform a daring rescue attempt. Readers with active imaginations and stomachs strong enough to digest the more grotesque episodes of this off-beat novel will delight in Ridley's ability to extract excitement, color and magic from the grim wasteland of urban decay that Dakota and her friends call home. Offering fast-paced action, ingenious plotting and an assortment of eccentric characters, the book will tempt even the most die-hard realists to suspend disbelief. Ages 10-up. (Mar.)